Train in Yakutia, Russia

SM Pilyasov

«People who go to the North, to the Arctic with a glint in their eyes, with the energy of youth, with optimism, with a culture of optimism, they are certainly more successful than their peers who stay. Because career opportunities in the North, in the Arctic, are many times greater. This was the case in Soviet times, and it remains the case today».

 

Alexander Pelyasov,

Director General, Regional Consulting Institute, Doctor of Geography, Professor at Lomonosov Moscow State University

Snowy winter in Russia

Historical summary of the Northern Forum from the years 1974-1989

1974

Winter Forest

First International Conference on Human Environment in Northern Regions

December. Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

Hosted by Hokkaido Governor Naohiro Dougakinai, this inaugural conference brought together representatives from the Canadian provincial governments of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Northwest Territories; United States state governments of Alaska, Idaho, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin; and representatives from the capital cities of Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The conference made evident a multitude of environmental, climactic, economic and social commonalities faced by residents in northern regions.

Participants at the conference came to understand that, as regions with similar climatic conditions, they shared many environmental challenges. They discovered that the way one northern region addressed a particular issue might apply to similar issues in many - if not all - northern regions. Government representatives realized that improved communication and cooperation could vastly enhance the way of life for all residents of the North. Furthermore, delegates acknowledged the value of holding regular meetings to discuss these commonalities. They vowed to work diligently as a whole on issues of shared importance.

During his closing address, Governor Dougakinai proclaimed, "It is earnestly desired that this three day-conference will produce fruitful results for the happiness of all peoples living in northern regions through the active exchange of views among the participants and that it will contribute to the promotion of friendly relations and to the social development of the entire region.

The seeds for the establishment of the Northern Forum were planted.


1979

90916284 Small

Second International Conference On The Human Environment in Northern Regions

September, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Participants determined that renewed vigor must be given to maintaining the balance among natural resource development, environmental protection and quality of life. Some governors worked to convey to each other that all might benefit from an organization which made it possible to act cooperatively to resolve seemingly intractable problems shared by those who live in Northern climates. Other regional leaders, preoccupied by their own immediate concerns and mandates, listened to these visionary suggestions.The Conference focused on human settlements.

Specific sessions were held on: urban growth; the creation of new towns as a result of accelerated natural resource development; planning for the rapid expansion of existing settlements; and enhancing the livability of older towns and cities. Policy makers from twenty-two provincial, regional, and municipal governments gathered to address issues relative to improving the quality of life in northern regions. Peter Lougheed, Premier of Alberta, expressed hope at the opening ceremony that the exchange of information would extend beyond human environment issues to create a better understanding between different peoples inhabiting similar parts of the world. However, little was done beyond polite acknowledgement until 1990. A major part of the North, Russia's vast Northern Territories, were as yet unable to participate.

 

20 Jun 2025
Northern Forum Working Meeting: Preparing for the XVI General Assembly Saint Petersburg, Russia

June 17, 2025, a working meeting of the international organization of northern regions, "Northern Forum," was held at the Russian State Hydrometeorological University (RSHU).

Northern Forum
20 Jun 2025
RACAR Roundtable Discusses Preparation for the Fifth International Polar Year 2032-2033

Saint Petersburg. On June 17, a roundtable of the Russian-Asian Consortium for Arctic Research (RACAR) was held at the Russian State Hydrometeorological University, dedicated to planning the Fifth International [ ... ]

Northern Forum
29 Apr 2025
Northern Forum Teenage Climate Ambassador elected

On April 28, the Final of the annual international competition "Teenage Climate Ambassador of the Northern Forum" was held among students of schools-members of Schools Association of the Northern Forum

Northern Forum
23 Apr 2025
Tomsk scientists developed a comprehensive model for assessing regions

By 2026, profiles of the northern regions of Russian Federation will be compiled.

Partners
22 Apr 2025
Northern Territories Consortiums to Discuss Arctic Development at Tomsk Forum

The Third International Forum of Associations and Consortiums of the Northern Territories (FACNT-2025), dedicated to the sustainable development of the Arctic, started at Tomsk State University on Monday. [ ... ]

Partners
22 Apr 2025
Vladimir Vasilev spoke in an interview about results of the Northern Forum events in India

Vladimir Vasilev, Executive Director of the Northern Forum told Yakutia 24 TV channel about the results of the Northern Forum events in India, and future plans in program “Aktualnoe interview”.

Northern Forum

Upcoming Events

Disclaimer

The events list is provided as an non-parcial overview of upcoming events in and about the Arctic and the North, for the interest and benefit of all stakeholders.
The events listed and their administration are the responsibility of the individual events organisers.
All content on the events website, a link may be provided to through this events calendar, is the sole responsibility of the individual organiser.

  

Members of the Northern Forum

6th Northern Sustainable Development Forum

II half of 2025
Yakutsk, Russia

Board of Governors
Regional Coordinators Committee (RCC)
Business Partners
Goodwill Ambassadors
Northern Youth Forum

Northern Youth Forum

The Northern Youth Forum (NYF) is a youth wing of the Northern Forum, consisting of representatives of young people from the age of 16 to 40 years.

Mission of the NYF is to strengthen the spirit of trust and cooperation between young representatives of Northern regions and countries at the stage of personal and professional views’ formation.

Goal of the NYF is to promote the interests and views of young people in solving the problems facing the Northern Forum by using the potential of international youth cooperation.